‘Best in the Premier League’ – Vidagany explains why Unai Emery lacks Spain recognition

Aston Villa director Damià Vidagany believes Unai Emery is not fully appreciated in Spain — despite being, in his view, the best manager currently working in the Premier League.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Vidagany praised Emery’s impact at Aston Villa and suggested his lack of recognition back home is more about context than performance, pointing to the fact he has never managed Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Emery arrived at Aston Villa in October 2022 after leaving Villarreal and has since overseen a remarkable transformation.

Under the Spaniard, Villa qualified for the Champions League for the first time in more than 40 years and now find themselves firmly in the Premier League title picture. They currently sit third, just one point behind Manchester City and three behind leaders Arsenal.

That rise has come despite financial limitations and a difficult start to the current campaign. Villa failed to win any of their opening five league matches, but have since won 11 of their last 12 — a turnaround Vidagany believes underlines Emery’s elite-level coaching.

Vidagany was emphatic when discussing Emery’s standing among his peers.

“Unai is the key person in our entire structure,” he said. “He is competing every year against teams with three times the budget.

“We currently have the best manager in the Premier League. He’s a manager who believes in results, who believes in performance through player improvement.”

The comments reflect Villa’s internal view that Emery’s success has been driven more by coaching, structure and development than financial muscle.

Despite his achievements with Valencia, Sevilla and Villarreal — including multiple European trophies — Vidagany believes Emery’s reputation in Spain has been shaped by one key omission from his CV.

“Emery isn’t more recognised in Spain because he hasn’t managed Real Madrid or Barcelona,” Vidagany explained.

Radio Marca suggested the comments highlight that Emery’s reputation is dictated more by context than outcomes — a coach judged by where he has worked, rather than what he has won or achieved.

Villa’s next challenge comes away at Chelsea on Saturday 27 December, as Emery’s side look to maintain momentum during a crucial festive period.

With results continuing to back up Vidagany’s bold claims, the debate around Emery’s standing — in England and Spain — looks set to intensify.

Aston Villa’s trip to Stamford Bridge represents another test of Emery’s credentials against an elite opponent. With consistency, structure and belief driving their season, Villa’s manager continues to build a case that his work deserves wider recognition — regardless of the badge on his CV.

Is Unai Emery the most underrated elite coach in European football right now?